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Search Results (311)

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Keywords = liquid metal nanoparticles

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21 pages, 1366 KiB  
Article
Liquid-Phase Hydrogenation over a Cu/SiO2 Catalyst of 5-hydroximethylfurfural to 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)furan Used in Sustainable Production of Biopolymers: Kinetic Modeling
by Juan Zelin, Hernán Antonio Duarte, Alberto Julio Marchi and Camilo Ignacio Meyer
Sustain. Chem. 2025, 6(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem6030022 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
2,5-bis(hydroxymethy)lfuran (BHMF), a renewable compound with extensive industrial applications, can be obtained by selective hydrogenation of the C=O group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In this work, we perform kinetic modeling of the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of HMF [...] Read more.
2,5-bis(hydroxymethy)lfuran (BHMF), a renewable compound with extensive industrial applications, can be obtained by selective hydrogenation of the C=O group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In this work, we perform kinetic modeling of the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of HMF to BHMF over a Cu/SiO2 catalyst prepared by precipitation–deposition (PD) at a constant pH. Physicochemical characterization, using different techniques, confirms that the Cu/SiO2–PD catalyst is formed by copper metallic nanoparticles of 3–5 nm in size highly dispersed on the SiO2 surface. Before the kinetic study, the Cu/SiO2-PD catalyst was evaluated in three solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-propanol (2-POH), and water. The pattern of catalytic activity and BHMF yield for the different solvents was THF > 2-POH > H2O. In addition, selectivity to BHF was the highest in THF. Thus, THF was chosen for further kinetic study. Several experiments were carried out by varying the initial HMF concentration (C0HMF) between 0.02 and 0.26 M and the hydrogen pressure (PH2) between 200 and 1500 kPa. In all experiments, BHMF selectivity was 97–99%. By pseudo-homogeneous modeling, an apparent reaction order with respect to HFM close to 1 was estimated for a C0HMF between 0.02 M and 0.065 M, while when higher than 0.065 M, the apparent reaction order changed to 0. The apparent reaction order with respect to H2 was nearly 0 when C0HMF = 0.13 M, while for C0HMF = 0.04 M, it was close to 1. The reaction orders estimated suggest that HMF is strongly absorbed on the catalyst surface, and thus total active site coverage is reached when the C0HMF is higher than 0.065 M. Several Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) kinetic models were proposed, tested against experimental data, and statistically compared. The best fitting of the experimental data was obtained with an LHHW model that considered non-competitive H2 and HMF chemisorption and strong chemisorption of reactant and product molecules on copper metallic active sites. This model predicts both the catalytic performance of Cu/SiO2-PD and its deactivation during liquid-phase HMF hydrogenation. Full article
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18 pages, 7202 KiB  
Article
Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles for Yttrium Recovery by Chelating Effect
by Pedro Adrián Martínez-Montoya, Hugo Martínez-Gutiérrez, Ángel de Jesús Morales-Ramírez and Mónica Corea
Polymers 2025, 17(15), 2011; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17152011 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 284
Abstract
Polymethyl methacrylate nanoparticles functionalized with three different compounds, acrylic acid (AA), curcumin (CUR), and fumaramide (FA), were tested in a two-step solid–liquid extraction process (extraction and stripping) for yttrium recovery. In both stages, the best conditions were determined: pH, solid–liquid ratio and the [...] Read more.
Polymethyl methacrylate nanoparticles functionalized with three different compounds, acrylic acid (AA), curcumin (CUR), and fumaramide (FA), were tested in a two-step solid–liquid extraction process (extraction and stripping) for yttrium recovery. In both stages, the best conditions were determined: pH, solid–liquid ratio and the compound with the highest affinity for yttrium recovery, obtaining 90% of efficiency for both stages in a single work cycle. The results obtained by SEM ruled out the growing of nanoparticles by swelling and confirmed the formation of structural arrangements by the addition of the metal to the system. In addition, there is evidence that the recovery process can be selective considering the mixing of rare earth elements through changes in pH. Using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), the thermodynamic properties of the extraction process were calculated, understanding the system as the union of a macromolecule and a ligand. The results showed that the extraction process was spontaneous and highly entropic. Full article
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63 pages, 4971 KiB  
Review
Electrochemical Nanosensors Applied to the Assay of Some Food Components—A Review
by Aurelia Magdalena Pisoschi, Florin Iordache, Loredana Stanca, Petronela Mihaela Rosu, Nicoleta Ciocirlie, Ovidiu Ionut Geicu, Liviu Bilteanu and Andreea Iren Serban
Chemosensors 2025, 13(8), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13080272 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Nanomaterials’ special features enable their extensive application in chemical and biochemical nanosensors for food assays; food packaging; environmental, medicinal, and pharmaceutical applications; and photoelectronics. The analytical strategies based on novel nanomaterials have proved their pivotal role and increasing interest in the assay of [...] Read more.
Nanomaterials’ special features enable their extensive application in chemical and biochemical nanosensors for food assays; food packaging; environmental, medicinal, and pharmaceutical applications; and photoelectronics. The analytical strategies based on novel nanomaterials have proved their pivotal role and increasing interest in the assay of key food components. The choice of transducer is pivotal for promoting the performance of electrochemical sensors. Electrochemical nano-transducers provide a large active surface area, enabling improved sensitivity, specificity, fast assay, precision, accuracy, and reproducibility, over the analytical range of interest, when compared to traditional sensors. Synthetic routes encompass physical techniques in general based on top–down approaches, chemical methods mainly relying on bottom–up approaches, or green technologies. Hybrid techniques such as electrochemical pathways or photochemical reduction are also applied. Electrochemical nanocomposite sensors relying on conducting polymers are amenable to performance improvement, achieved by integrating redox mediators, conductive hydrogels, and molecular imprinting polymers. Carbon-based or metal-based nanoparticles are used in combination with ionic liquids, enhancing conductivity and electron transfer. The composites may be prepared using a plethora of combinations of carbon-based, metal-based, or organic-based nanomaterials, promoting a high electrocatalytic response, and can accommodate biorecognition elements for increased specificity. Nanomaterials can function as pivotal components in electrochemical (bio)sensors applied to food assays, aiming at the analysis of bioactives, nutrients, food additives, and contaminants. Given the broad range of transducer types, detection modes, and targeted analytes, it is important to discuss the analytical performance and applicability of such nanosensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrochemical Sensor for Food Analysis)
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22 pages, 23349 KiB  
Article
Ag/AgCl-Decorated Layered Lanthanum/Niobium Oxide Microparticles as Efficient Photocatalysts for Azo Dye Remediation and Cancer Cell Inactivation
by Elmuez Dawi and Mohsen Padervand
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070638 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Ag/AgCl-decorated layered lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated through an ionic liquid-mediated co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), [...] Read more.
Ag/AgCl-decorated layered lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated through an ionic liquid-mediated co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques were used to illustrate the physicochemical properties of the materials. The photoactivity was evaluated for the degradation of Acid Blue 92 (AB92) azo dye, a typical organic contaminant from the textile industry, and U251 cancer cell inactivation. According to the results, Nb2O5–Ag/AgCl was able to remove >99% of AB92 solution in 35 min with the rate constant of 0.12 min−1, 2.4 times higher than that of La2O3–Ag/AgCl. A pH of 3 and a catalyst dosage of 0.02 g were determined as the optimized factors to reach the highest degradation efficiency under solar energy at noon, which was opted to have the highest sunlight intensity over the reactor. Also, 0.02 mg/mL of Nb2O5–Ag/AgCl was determined to be of great potential to reduce cancer cell viability by more than 50%, revealed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) examinations. The mechanism of degradation was also discussed, considering the key role of Ag0 nanoparticles in inducing a plasmonic effect and improving the charge separation. This work provides helpful insights to opt for an efficient rare metal oxide with good biocompatibility as support for the plasmonic photocatalysts with the goal of environmental purification under sunlight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remediation of Natural Waters by Photocatalysis)
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13 pages, 7635 KiB  
Article
Vacuum-Assembled ZIF-67/SiO2–PEI Thin-Film Nanocomposite Membrane with Ultrahigh Permeance for Textile Wastewater Treatment
by Li Xiao, Jinyu Liu, Fan Zhang, Feng Qin, Yikai Wang, Zikang Qin, Yahui Yang, Zhongde Dai, Junfeng Zheng and Bo Tang
Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1741; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131741 - 22 Jun 2025
Viewed by 544
Abstract
High permeance combined with high salt/dye separation efficiency is a prerequisite for achieving zero-liquid-discharge treatment of saline textile wastewater by membrane technology. Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes incorporating porous nanoparticles offer a promising route to overcome the permeability–selectivity trade-off of conventional polymer membranes. In [...] Read more.
High permeance combined with high salt/dye separation efficiency is a prerequisite for achieving zero-liquid-discharge treatment of saline textile wastewater by membrane technology. Thin-film nanocomposite (TFN) membranes incorporating porous nanoparticles offer a promising route to overcome the permeability–selectivity trade-off of conventional polymer membranes. In this study, a vacuum-assisted method was used to co-blend ZIF-67 and SiO2 nanoparticles, while branched polyethyleneimine (PEI) served as a cross-linking bridge, resulting in a high-performance TFN membrane for salt/dye separation. Acting as a molecular connector, PEI coordinated with ZIF-67 through metal–amine complexation and simultaneously formed hydrogen bonds with surface hydroxyl groups on SiO2, thereby linking ZIF-67 and SiO2. The resulting membrane exhibited good hydrophilicity and excellent dye separation performance (water flux = 359.8 L m−2 h−1 bar−1; Congo Red rejection = 99.2%) as well as outstanding selectivity in dye/salt mixtures (Congo Red/MgCl2 selectivity of 1094). The optimal ZIF@SiO2-PEI membrane maintained stable dye rejection over a wide range of trans-membrane pressures, initial concentrations, and pH values. These results reveal the huge potential of applying the ZIF@SiO2-PEI TFN membranes for resource recovery in sustainable textile wastewater systems. Full article
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9 pages, 1292 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Feasibility of a Microchip Laser Ablation Method for the Preparation of Biopolymer-Stabilized Gold Nanoparticles: Case Studies with Gelatin and Collagen
by Nazgul Assan, Tomoyuki Suezawa, Yuta Uetake, Yumi Yakiyama, Michiya Matsusaki and Hidehiro Sakurai
Colloids Interfaces 2025, 9(4), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/colloids9040042 - 20 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 592
Abstract
Introducing small-sized metal nanoparticles directly into biopolymers susceptible to thermal and chemical stimulations remains a significant challenge. Recently, we showed a novel approach to fabricating gold nanoparticles through pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) using a microchip laser (MCL). Despite its lower pulse [...] Read more.
Introducing small-sized metal nanoparticles directly into biopolymers susceptible to thermal and chemical stimulations remains a significant challenge. Recently, we showed a novel approach to fabricating gold nanoparticles through pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) using a microchip laser (MCL). Despite its lower pulse energy compared to conventional lasers, this technique demonstrates high ablation efficiency, offering the potential to produce composites without compromising the distinctive structure of biopolymers. As a proof of concept, we successfully generated gelatin-stabilized gold nanoparticles with a smaller size (average diameter of approximately 4 nm), while preserving the unchanged circular dichroism (CD) spectra, indicating the retention of gelatin’s unique structure. Extending this technique to the preparation of type I collagen-stabilized gold nanoparticles yielded non-aggregated nanoparticles, although challenges in yield still persist. These results highlight the potential of the microchip laser ablation technique for producing metal nanoparticles within a vulnerable matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art of Colloid and Interface Science in Asia)
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19 pages, 2158 KiB  
Article
Stability of an Ultra-Low-Temperature Water–Gas Shift Reaction SILP Catalyst
by Ferdinand Fischer, Johannes Thiessen, Wolfgang Korth and Andreas Jess
Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 602; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060602 - 18 Jun 2025
Viewed by 500
Abstract
For PEM fuel cell operation, high-purity hydrogen gas containing only trace amounts of carbon monoxide is a prerequisite. The water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an industrially applied mature operation mode to convert CO with H2O into CO2 (making it easy [...] Read more.
For PEM fuel cell operation, high-purity hydrogen gas containing only trace amounts of carbon monoxide is a prerequisite. The water–gas shift reaction (WGSR) is an industrially applied mature operation mode to convert CO with H2O into CO2 (making it easy to separate, if necessary) and H2. Since the WGS reaction is an exothermic equilibrium reaction, low temperatures (below 200 °C) lead to full CO conversion. Thus, highly active ultra-low-temperature WGSR catalysts have to be applied. A homogeneous Ru SILP (supported ionic liquid phase) catalyst based on the precursor complex [Ru(CO)3Cl2]2 has been identified to operate at such low temperature levels. However, in a hydrogen rich atmosphere, transition metal complexes are prone to form nanoparticles (NPs) when dissolved in ionic liquids (ILs). In this article, the behavior of an anionic SILP WGSR catalyst, i.e., [Ru(CO)3Cl3] dissolved in [BMMIM]Cl, in an H2-rich CO environment is described. The data reveal that during the WGSR, Ru nanoparticles form in the catalyst when very low CO concentrations are reached. The Ru NPs formation has been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy imaging and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalysis for Sustainable Energy)
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21 pages, 4589 KiB  
Article
Palladium Nanoparticles Immobilized on the Amine-Functionalized Lumen of Halloysite for Catalytic Hydrogenation Reactions
by Santiago Bedoya, Daniela González-Vera, Edgardo A. Leal-Villarroel, J. N. Díaz de León, Marcelo E. Domine, Gina Pecchi, Cecilia C. Torres and Cristian H. Campos
Catalysts 2025, 15(6), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15060533 - 27 May 2025
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Supported Pd-based catalysts have been widely applied in the hydrogenation of specific functional groups. Recent trends have focused on employing Pd-based heterogeneous catalysts supported on inorganic nanotubes, wherein inner surface functionalization modulates both palladium nanoparticle (Pd-NP) dispersion and the interaction between reactants and [...] Read more.
Supported Pd-based catalysts have been widely applied in the hydrogenation of specific functional groups. Recent trends have focused on employing Pd-based heterogeneous catalysts supported on inorganic nanotubes, wherein inner surface functionalization modulates both palladium nanoparticle (Pd-NP) dispersion and the interaction between reactants and the catalyst surface, thereby influencing catalytic properties. This study aims to develop a catalytic system using amine-lumened halloysite nanotubes immobilizing Pd-NPs (Pd/HNTA) as catalysts for hydrogenation reactions. The formation of Pd-NPs within the organo-functionalized lumen—modified by 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane—is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging, which reveals a particle size of 2.2 ± 0.4 nm. For comparison, Pd-NPs supported on pristine halloysite (Pd/HNTP) were used as control catalysts, displaying a metal particle size of 2.8 ± 0.8 nm and thereby demonstrating the effect of organic functionalization on the halloysite nanotubes. Both catalysts were employed in the hydrogenation of furfural (FUR) and nitrobenzene (NB) as model reactions. Pd/HNTA demonstrated superior catalytic performance for both substrates, with TOF values of 880 h−1 for FUR and 946 h−1 for NB, and selectivities exceeding 98% for tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFOH) and aniline (AN), respectively. However, recyclability studies displayed that Pd/HNTA was deactivated at the 10 catalytic cycles during the hydrogenation of FUR, whereas, in the hydrogenation of NB, 5 catalytic cycles were achieved with maximum conversion and selectivity at 360 min. These results revealed that the liquid-phase environment plays a pivotal role in catalyst stability. In the hydrogenation of NB, the coproduction of H2O adversely affects the interaction between the Pd particles and the inner amine-modified surface, increasing the deactivation of the catalyst with reuse. Thus, the Pd/HNTA catalyst holds significant promise for the development of noble-metal-based catalysts and their application in the transformation of other reducible organic functional groups via hydrogenation reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Catalytic Materials)
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31 pages, 952 KiB  
Review
Electronic Tongue Technology Applied to the Analysis of Grapes and Wines: A Comprehensive Review from Its Origins
by Celia Garcia-Hernandez, Cristina Garcia-Cabezon, Maria Luz Rodriguez-Mendez and Fernando Martin-Pedrosa
Chemosensors 2025, 13(5), 188; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors13050188 - 17 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1533
Abstract
The electronic tongue (ET) and bioelectronic tongue (bioET) technologies have emerged as innovative and promising tools for the characterization and quality control of complex liquid matrices such as grape musts and wines. These multisensor systems, based on electrochemical detection and chemometric analysis, provide [...] Read more.
The electronic tongue (ET) and bioelectronic tongue (bioET) technologies have emerged as innovative and promising tools for the characterization and quality control of complex liquid matrices such as grape musts and wines. These multisensor systems, based on electrochemical detection and chemometric analysis, provide global and rapid information about taste-related attributes, antioxidant content, and other critical parameters, offering an alternative or complement to traditional analytical methods. This review explores the principles, development, and applications of ET and bioET in the wine industry, highlighting their capacity to assess grape ripeness, monitor fermentation, determine wine aging, detect adulterations, and support geographical and varietal authentication. Special attention is paid to advances in sensing materials—such as conducting polymers, metal nanoparticles, and enzymes—and the construction techniques of sensors and biosensors, which have improved ET performance. Finally, the potential of these technologies as cost-effective, portable, and on-site tools aligns with the demands of Industry 4.0 and next-generation smart agriculture and food production systems. Full article
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12 pages, 5446 KiB  
Article
Durable Metallized Liquid Crystal Polymer Fibers Enable Flexible and Tough Electrical Heaters
by Yajie Zhang, Xinting Huang, Jiachi Zhou, Wenlin Liang, Xinxin Li and Chuang Zhu
Polymers 2025, 17(8), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17081087 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Fiber-shaped electrical heaters with high flexibility and excellent adaptability make an ideal candidate for the application of wearable electronics but still suffer from low strength and poor durability. Herein, an all-in-one Joule-heating fiber capable of outstanding mechanical properties, good heating efficiency, and long-term [...] Read more.
Fiber-shaped electrical heaters with high flexibility and excellent adaptability make an ideal candidate for the application of wearable electronics but still suffer from low strength and poor durability. Herein, an all-in-one Joule-heating fiber capable of outstanding mechanical properties, good heating efficiency, and long-term stability is reported by using polymer-assisted metal deposition to firmly coat Cu nanoparticles on high-performance liquid crystal polymer (LCP) fibers. Taking advantage of LCP, the resultant fibers exhibit a satisfying temperature threshold (up to 200 °C) and immense strength (2.94 GPa). By virtue of dense and continuous Cu film, these fibers show low electrical resistance (5.51 Ω/cm) and an ultrafast response rate (12.6 °C·s−1) at low supplied voltages (0.5–3.5 V). Benefiting from the levodopa/polyethyleneimine interface design, such fibers maintain nearly constant resistance after repeatable bending, folding, and even washing (50 cycles). Based on the above-mentioned merits, a wearable patch with a Joule-heating function is knitted by using as-made fibers to offer therapeutic benefits for human body joints. This work demonstrates prospective potential for enriching the challenging applications of fiber-shaped electrical heating systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Functionalized Polymer Fabrics)
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16 pages, 8643 KiB  
Article
Tuning the Surface Oxophilicity of PdAu Alloy Nanoparticles to Favor Electrochemical Reactions: Hydrogen Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
by Maria V. Pagliaro, Lorenzo Poggini, Marco Bellini, Lorenzo Fei, Tailor Peruzzolo and Hamish A. Miller
Catalysts 2025, 15(4), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15040306 - 24 Mar 2025
Viewed by 481
Abstract
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are versatile power generation devices that can be fed by both gaseous (H2) and liquid fuels. The development of sustainable, efficient, and stable catalysts for the oxidation of hydrogen (HOR) and oxygen reduction (ORR) under [...] Read more.
Anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) are versatile power generation devices that can be fed by both gaseous (H2) and liquid fuels. The development of sustainable, efficient, and stable catalysts for the oxidation of hydrogen (HOR) and oxygen reduction (ORR) under alkaline conditions remains a challenge currently facing AEMFC technology. Reducing the loading of PGMs is essential for reducing the overall cost of AEMFCs. One strategy involves exploiting the synergistic effects of two metals in bimetallic nanoparticles (NPs). Here, we report that the activity for the HOR and the ORR can be finely tuned through surface engineering of carbon-supported PdAu-PVA NPs. The activity for both ORR and HOR can be adjusted by subjecting the material to heat treatment. Specifically, heat treatment at 500 °C under an inert atmosphere increases the crystallinity and oxophilicity of the nanoparticles, thereby enhancing anodic HOR performance. On the contrary, heat treatment significantly lowers ORR activity, highlighting how reduced surface oxophilicity plays a major role in increasing active sites for ORR. The tailored activity in these catalysts translates into high power densities when employed in AEMFCs (up to 1.1 W cm−2). Full article
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33 pages, 3902 KiB  
Review
Review of Molten Salt Corrosion in Stainless Steels and Superalloys
by Ying Wei, Peiqing La, Yuehong Zheng, Faqi Zhan, Haicun Yu, Penghui Yang, Min Zhu, Zemin Bai and Yunteng Gao
Crystals 2025, 15(3), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15030237 - 28 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2384
Abstract
In the context of the global energy structure transformation, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has gained significant attention. Its future trajectory is oriented towards the construction of ultra-high temperature (700–1000 °C) power plants, aiming to enhance thermoelectric conversion efficiency and economic competitiveness. Chloride [...] Read more.
In the context of the global energy structure transformation, concentrated solar power (CSP) technology has gained significant attention. Its future trajectory is oriented towards the construction of ultra-high temperature (700–1000 °C) power plants, aiming to enhance thermoelectric conversion efficiency and economic competitiveness. Chloride molten salts, serving as a crucial heat transfer and storage medium in the third-generation CSP system, offer numerous advantages. However, they are highly corrosive to metal materials. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the corrosion behaviors of stainless steels and high-temperature alloys in molten salts. It analyzes the impacts of factors such as temperature and oxygen, and it summarizes various corrosion types, including intergranular corrosion and hot corrosion, along with their underlying mechanisms. Simultaneously, it presents an overview of the types, characteristics, impurity effects, and purification methods of molten salts used for high-temperature heat storage and heat transfer. Moreover, it explores novel technologies such as alternative molten salts, solid particles, gases, liquid metals, and the carbon dioxide Brayton cycle, as well as research directions for improving material performance, like the application of nanoparticles and surface coatings. At present, the corrosion of metal materials in high-temperature molten salts poses a significant bottleneck in the development of CSP. Future research should prioritize the development of commercial alloy materials resistant to chloride molten salt corrosion and conduct in-depth investigations into related influencing factors. This will provide essential support for the advancement of CSP technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Crystalline Metals and Alloys)
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15 pages, 1802 KiB  
Article
Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Alkaline Water Electrolysis Derived from Metal-Containing Ionic Liquids
by Jelena Georgijević, Nikola Zdolšek, Milica Vasić, Jadranka Milikić, Milan Vraneš, Dragana Jugović, Diogo M. F. Santos and Biljana Šljukić
Processes 2025, 13(3), 623; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13030623 - 22 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1210
Abstract
Carbon-based electrocatalysts decorated with Pt and Ni nanoparticles were introduced herein to increase the efficiency of the water splitting process and thus reduce the price of the produced green hydrogen. The materials were prepared by innovative direct carbonization of ionic liquids containing the [...] Read more.
Carbon-based electrocatalysts decorated with Pt and Ni nanoparticles were introduced herein to increase the efficiency of the water splitting process and thus reduce the price of the produced green hydrogen. The materials were prepared by innovative direct carbonization of ionic liquids containing the corresponding metal, thereby eliminating the need for additional solutions and templates. The structural integrity of the materials was validated through X-ray diffraction analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of these materials in catalyzing hydrogen (HER) and oxygen (OER) evolution reactions was evaluated using voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, uncovering distinct behaviors and highlighting the role of ionic liquid in tailoring materials’ properties and performance. Specifically, the presence of Ni was observed to enhance the catalytic performance towards the HERs due to the interaction of Ni nanoparticles and a higher amount of sp2-hybridized carbon present. In contrast, incorporating Pt into the carbon matrix was found to augment the catalytic activity for OERs with a Tafel slope of 129 mV dec−1 and a current density of 10 mA cm−2 reached at a potential of 1.67 V. Moreover, chronoamperometric measurements evidenced materials’ steady performance under both HER and OER conditions. These findings of good activity and stability showed that the introduced approach of synthesis of carbon electrocatalysts decorated with heteroatoms by direct carbonization of ionic liquids holds great promise for the synthesis of efficient and affordable electrocatalysts for green hydrogen production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Electrocatalysts for the OER, HER and Biomass Conversion)
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17 pages, 7276 KiB  
Article
No More Purification: A Straightforward and Green Process for the Production of Melamine–Vanillylamine-Based Benzoxazine-Rich Resins for Access to Various Composite Materials
by Lisa Guinebaud, Huihui Qiao, Erwann Guenin, Adama Konate and Frederic Delbecq
J. Compos. Sci. 2025, 9(3), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs9030092 - 20 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 806
Abstract
A rapid microwave-assisted process minimizing waste was set up to produce bio-based benzoxazine-like monomers produced from vanillylamine and melamine. Without excessive purification, different viscous liquid precursors had a remarkable ability to form four strong and transparent different solid cross-linked thermosets, displaying lower curing [...] Read more.
A rapid microwave-assisted process minimizing waste was set up to produce bio-based benzoxazine-like monomers produced from vanillylamine and melamine. Without excessive purification, different viscous liquid precursors had a remarkable ability to form four strong and transparent different solid cross-linked thermosets, displaying lower curing temperatures under 130 °C. The long and strong adhesive performance of the cured materials was observed using glass slides or aluminum surfaces and they could become a good alternative to adhesive epoxy resin for metal surfaces. At the higher temperatures, these solids could act as efficient flame-retardants proven by thermogravimetric measurements. The best candidates gave a limiting oxidation index value of 41.9. In order to improve the intrinsic surface hydrophobicity of the phenolic resins, slight amounts of silica and iron oxide nanoparticles were dispersed in the polymer matrix, and finally mechanical resistance was pointed out. The most promising of our melamine-based resin was loaded with aluminum pigment to furnish a silver-colored paste ready for being cured to afford a robust solid, which does not undergo contraction or deformation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Journal of Composites Science in 2024)
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35 pages, 5019 KiB  
Review
Beyond Thermal Conductivity: A Review of Nanofluids for Enhanced Energy Storage and Heat Transfer
by Ali Mirahmad, Ravi Shankar Kumar, Breogán Pato Doldán, Cristina Prieto Rios and Javier Díez-Sierra
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(4), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15040302 - 16 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2450
Abstract
The development of nanofluids (NFs) has significantly advanced the thermal performance of heat transfer fluids (HTFs) in heating and cooling applications. This review examines the synergistic effects of different nanoparticles (NPs)—including metallic, metallic oxide, and carbonaceous types—on the thermal conductivity (TC) and specific [...] Read more.
The development of nanofluids (NFs) has significantly advanced the thermal performance of heat transfer fluids (HTFs) in heating and cooling applications. This review examines the synergistic effects of different nanoparticles (NPs)—including metallic, metallic oxide, and carbonaceous types—on the thermal conductivity (TC) and specific heat capacity (SHC) of base fluids like molecular, molten salts and ionic liquids. While adding NPs typically enhances TC and heat transfer, it can reduce SHC, posing challenges for energy storage and sustainable thermal management. Key factors such as NP composition, shape, size, concentration, and base fluid selection are analyzed to understand the mechanisms driving these improvements. The review also emphasizes the importance of interfacial interactions and proper NP dispersion for fluid stability. Strategies like optimizing NP formulations and utilizing solid–solid phase transitions are proposed to enhance both TC and SHC without significantly increasing viscosity, a common drawback in NFs. By balancing these properties, NFs hold great potential for renewable energy systems, particularly in improving energy storage efficiency. The review also outlines future research directions to overcome current challenges and expand the application of NFs in sustainable energy solutions, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Thermal Energy Transfer and Storage)
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